specification overview
Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1) is a single-tier linear qualification with two papers. Paper 1 (Physical Geography and Fieldwork) is 40% and 70 marks; Paper 2 (Human Geography and Global Issues) is 60% and 105 marks. Each paper includes its own fieldwork section. Both are sat at the end of the course.
subject content
1. River environments
Paper 1- River processes, landforms, drainage basins
- River flooding, flood management, water quality
2. Coastal environments
Paper 1- Coastal processes, landforms of erosion and deposition
- Coastal management, sea level rise
3. Hazardous environments
Paper 1- Tropical cyclones, drought
- Tectonic hazards: earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis
4. Economic activity and energy
Paper 2- Sectors of economy, changes over time
- Energy resources, sustainable energy
5. Rural environments
Paper 2- Rural areas in LICs and HICs, agricultural systems
- Rural change and depopulation
6. Urban environments
Paper 2- Urbanisation, megacities, urban challenges
- Managing urban problems
7. Fragile environments and climate change
Paper 2- Desertification, deforestation, climate change
- Sustainable management strategies
8. Globalisation and migration
Paper 2- Causes and impacts of globalisation
- International migration flows and impacts
9. Development and human welfare
Paper 2- Measuring and comparing development
- Strategies to reduce global inequalities
10. Physical geography fieldwork
Paper 1- One physical fieldwork enquiry (rivers, coasts or hazardous environments)
- Methods, data collection, analysis, evaluation
11. Human geography fieldwork
Paper 2- One human fieldwork enquiry (economic, rural or urban)
- Methods, data collection, analysis, evaluation
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Physical Geography) | River environments, coastal environments, hazardous environments, plus physical fieldwork | 1h 10m | 70 | 40% | Section A: answer on 2 of the 3 physical topics (rivers/coasts/hazards). Section B: physical fieldwork enquiry questions. |
| Paper 2 (Human Geography) | Economic activity/energy, rural environments, urban environments + human fieldwork + global issues (fragile environments, globalisation, development) | 1h 45m | 105 | 60% | Section A: answer on 2 of the 3 human topics (economic activity and energy / rural environments / urban environments). Section B: one human fieldwork enquiry (choose 1 of 3). Section C: one global-issues topic (choose 1 of 3: fragile environments and climate change / globalisation and migration / development and human welfare). |
Each paper has its own fieldwork section: Paper 1 Section B tests a physical fieldwork enquiry, Paper 2 Section B tests a human fieldwork enquiry. Schools choose which topics and which fieldwork enquiries their students complete.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, environments and processes at a range of scales. | 15-16% |
| AO2 | Demonstrate understanding of geographical concepts, processes, interactions and change. | 25-26% |
| AO3 | Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues and to make judgements. | 34-35% |
| AO4 | Select, adapt and use geographical skills, including fieldwork, and communicate findings. | 24-25% |
key tips for success
Complete both fieldwork enquiries carefully
Each paper has its own fieldwork section: Paper 1 tests a physical enquiry, Paper 2 tests a human enquiry. Take detailed notes for both: methods, data, sampling, sketches, evaluation.
Learn 6-8 case studies with international examples
International Edexcel expects non-UK case studies. Prepare: 1 tropical cyclone, 1 earthquake/volcano, 1 megacity (LIC), 1 rural change, 1 fragile environment, 1 globalisation or development example.
Master 8-mark essay structure
Extended-response essays reward: intro, 2-3 developed points with evidence, considered judgement. Practise with case study integration.
Learn map skills for both papers
OS-style maps and choropleth maps come up in Papers 1 and 2. Practise grid references, contour interpretation, distance and area measurement.
Watch time-budget on Paper 2
Paper 2 is 1h 45m for 105 marks across three sections. Roughly 1 minute per mark. Allocate carefully between human topics, fieldwork and your global-issues topic.
Practise past papers
International Edexcel past papers are widely available. Do timed practice for both papers, especially Paper 2's longer three-section format.
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